A FAVOURITE LOCH 295 



Up to the present we have been doing so well 

 that we complain bitterly when we are compelled 

 to change our methods and resort to the wet-fly. 

 The reason is that the wind has risen to a gale, 

 which drives the boat at great pace before it, so 

 that we cannot keep our line and flies floating to 

 our satisfaction. The hatch, however, continues 

 as merrily as ever, a matter for surprise in this cold 

 windy weather, and swallows and trout alike are 

 feasting to their hearts' content. It is therefore 

 no wonder that we are annoyed at being forced to 

 diminish our chances of sport, however unavoidable 

 the change of lure may be. 



Now we are on the long drift between the island 

 and the out-flowing river, sheltered slightly from 

 the gale, and by keeping the rod point low and 

 dragging the flies across the path of the boat we 

 manage to circumvent the gusts. Sport is being 

 fairly well maintained, the credit of which belongs 

 partly to the willingness of the trout themselves, 

 perhaps also partly to the tactics employed, but 

 chiefly to the efficiency of the boatman, whose 

 services we are decidedly fortunate to secure. 



His knowledge of the loch is complete ; he lets 

 slip no opportunity of putting us within reach of a 

 rising trout, which is accomplished neatly and 

 quickly by a deft touch of an oar ; he shows his 

 satisfaction when his and our united efforts result 

 in a capture, but the gale prevents him showing the 

 finer points of his skill. In a gentle breeze he would 

 as of yore work the boat in and out the edge of the 

 reeds, the floating Olive would vanish from sight, 

 and the air would be filled with the music of the 

 reel. Still in the adverse conditions he works 



